•Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) isn’t a joke or an easy thing to do; it is a struggle that many Filipinos are facing nowadays. In my opinion, it is alright if a parent chooses to work abroad but, it is not fair if the woman will do it. The father, being the head of the family, should stand for the things he must do as the head. Instead of allowing his wife, he must take the responsibility of working abroad if that would make his family in comfort. I also think that mothers are the best guardians for their children that’s why they should not be separated from their family.
2. What are the beliefs and
traditions found in the story that you believe are still present up to this day?
•The story includes some beliefs and traditions that are still present up to this day. From then up to now, women are believed to be responsible for all the domestic or household chores. It was also shown in the story the tradition of many OFWs working abroad. We get used to have a balikbayan box from them once they got home for our pasalubong.
The How’s, What If’s and If ever’s
1. How does the poem about Pinay open the minds of younger generation like you?
•Liham ni Pinay Mula sa Brunei serves as an eye-opener for many Filipinos especially for the younger generation. This poem greatly contributes on our way of thinking and on how we see things at present. It allows me to realize how hard a Pinay mother does for the sake of her family. It also focuses on many OFWs who need to sacrifice and leave their family behind. This poem gives me a lot of reasons to be thankful for having such wonderful parents who will do everything for our family.
2. What if you are in the woman’s
shoe, would you also leave your family and work abroad? Why or why not?
•If I were in Pinay’s shoe, I might also do the same thing. If there’s no other choice, I would also choose to work abroad. Even if it means being away from them, I will do it. I cannot afford to see my family suffer from hunger. I’d rather be the one to sacrifice than to watch them live in pain.
•If ever I had a father like Pinay’s husband, I will just focus on helping my mother. I will do the best that I can to lessen her burden from all the duties and responsibilities she carries. Although he is not a responsible parent, he is still my father. I should still respect him and I believe that I do not have the right to preach him because of his behavior.
